Bush Blitz: the hunt for new species continues

Australia’s largest species discovery project, Bush Blitz, is set to continue discovering flora and fauna across the country thanks to further support from the Government and project partner BHP.

The Government is providing $5.5 million to Bush Blitz over the next five years, a figure that will be matched by BHP and builds on a joint investment of more than $22 million over almost ten years.

“Bush Blitz is an exemplary partnership between the Government, BHP and Earthwatch Institute Australia – the kind of collaboration that will see the protection of those environmental assets that matter most,” Minister Frydenberg said.

“Through world-leading scientific research, it has led to the discovery of more than 1700 plant and animal species – that’s one new species every 42 hours.

“This additional funding will allow for the ongoing discovery of wildlife across our deserts, rivers, forests and oceans – whether they be butterflies, spiders, algae, fungi or slugs!

Scientists and researchers from across the country come together for each ‘blitz’ to identify and catalogue plants and animals – in many cases working alongside the region’s traditional owners who possess valuable traditional knowledge.

Each expeditions has found species either unknown to science or plants and animals never before recorded in the area they were discovered. New species have been revealed in every state and territory as well as within our vast marine network and more than 45,000 different plants and animals have been recorded.

“Bush Blitz is a success because it is a true partnership – government, business and non-profit coming together to underpin a stronger environment,” Minister Frydenberg said.

“I look forward to the project building on the thousands of species records already added to our knowledge bank, continuing to increase scientific understanding of Australia’s plants and animals and helping us maintain and protect our nation’s biodiversity for generations to come.”